The Polish puncher is currently enjoying a new lease of life since teaming up with renowned German coach Ulli Wegner, as evident from his WBA Intercontinental title winning performance against Carlos Nascimento in September, and now, the 28 year old believes the time is right for him to make his mark at elite-level starting with a statement win against Bellew.

“Of course this is an important fight for me,” said Masternak. “This is a chance for me to test myself against one of the best fighters in the division and prove to everybody that I’m ready to fight for the world title.

“Bellew is a world-class opponent and I know it will be a tough test. He can punch, he can box and he always fights with a lot of heart, but his style suits me well, and my team and I have chosen the perfect game plan to beat him. I will be like his shadow – staying one-step and one-punch ahead of him at all times. If he thinks this will be an easy fight, he is mistaken.

“The European title is very important and prestigious belt, and now that I’m older and have more experience, I appreciate its value much more. This is a fight I have to win. I will give it my all and not stop until my hand is raised. I believe this will be the fight of the night, and once it’s over, everyone will know the name Mateusz Masternak.”

Ahead of their cruiserweight clash, Masternak has warned Bellew not to attempt any trash talking, advising the 33 year-old to ‘save his strength’ for the ring.

“I’ve seen Bellew try to intimidate his opponents before but I’m sure he’s clever enough not to attempt this with me,” says ‘The Master’. “This sort of empty aggression and trash talking has no effect on me. Instead of trying to fight me at the press conference or the weigh-in, Bellew should save his strength, because he will need it in the ring!”

Masternak’s clash with Bellew is part of a huge night of action at The O2, topped by Anthony Joshua MBE taking on bitter rival Dillian Whyte for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

Chris Eubank Jnr and Spike O’Sullivan meet in a final eliminator for the WBA World Middleweight title, Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title with the winner facing newly crowned WBA supremo Anthony Crolla, Josh Warrington defend his WBC International Featherweight title against Jorge Sanchez, Joshua’s fellow Olympic gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC International Lightweight title against Yvan Mendy and Paulie Malignaggi challenges Gianluca Branco for the European Welterweight title.